Demographics
Clearwater has seen radical changes over the past few years in terms of demolitions and new developments. The Clearwater Beach Walk is one project, still in its construction phase, aimed towards giving residents and mainly tourists a better beach experience. A part of Beach Walk was opened to the public recently in the south side of Clearwater Beach. Beach Walk, however, is not the only project underway here. Tearing down of decades-old mom and pop hotels to build high-rises or condominiums has also been a recent drift.
This structural shift in the city is directly related to its changing demographic trends. When reference is made to Clearwater's demographics, two segments should be considered - temporary population and resident population.
People have grown to love this place, and you might say the same when you learn about the rising population of Clearwater. From original 343 in 1900 to estimated 110,169 currently, Clearwater has become a home to many individuals and families. The current population data includes only the city's permanent resident population. There is also a segment of winter residents, about 20,000 in number, who come to Clearwater every year.
According to the year 2000 US Census Bureau estimates, Clearwater has 48,449 households with 2.17 persons per household and 27,422 families residing in the city. The median household income (adjusted to inflation trends) is $45,830 compared to $51,733, the national median household income. The median home age is 31 years, and recent median home value was estimated to be $193,761.
Clearwater has a mix of race and ethnicities; however, it mainly consists of white population. The racial mix, according to 2000 US Census Bureau, consists of White (83.9%), Black (9.8%), Hispanic/Latino (9.0%), American Indian and Alaskan Native (0.3%), Asian (1.6%), Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander (0.1%) and individuals reporting two or more races (1.8%). Clearwater has been witnessing a Hispanic population increase. This upward movement will shape the local policies and developments in coming years.
One of the highlights of Census 2000 was the median age for Clearwater residents. The median age for residents in Clearwater, Florida is 41.8. This is older than the average age in the US. Also, Clearwater ranked No.1 among major US cities in percentage population age 65 or older (21.5%).
When referring to age statistics, it seems appropriate to discuss the relation of baby boomers to Clearwater. Florida has many fine places to spend one's golden years. Clearwater is probably not the ideal location where baby boomers would consider retiring; the reason being that Clearwater is an ever-charged tourist destination and it might not appeal to people who are looking ahead at secluded golden years. Baby boomers, nevertheless, have the option of buying a vacation property here. The development authority of Clearwater has perhaps looked into this lucrative situation and thus, has been creating several plans for developing rental properties all over. Baby boomers are a target population who might be interested in buying second homes in Clearwater for the purposes of either spending their vacations or renting out to cover some of their expenses.
Reflecting upon the crime status in Clearwater, the number of violent crimes recorded in the year 2003 was 1,162 and property crimes was 5,572. The violent crime rate was 10.5 per 1,000 people. According to a 2004 study, Tampa/St. Petersburg/Clearwater was named the nation's second most dangerous metro area for pedestrians.
If you have heard about Clearwater's traffic, here are some numbers for you. The average commute time in Clearwater is 24.215 minutes. Compare it to national average commute time which is 26.376 minutes.
As referred to earlier, it would be interesting to see what's in store with the new census in terms of shifting population trends and ethnicities of Clearwater.
http://www.1010clearwater.com/vacations/essentials/demographics/default.aspx
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